Lipstick spreader



Afpril 9, 1946. J. F. sKoLD LIPSTICK SPREADER Filed Sept. 22, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l April 9, 1946. J. F. sKoLD 2,398,151

LIPSTICK SPREADER Filed Sept. 22, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 9, 1946 UNITED STATESl PATENT OFFICE e' LIPSTICK SPREADER John F. s kold, Chicago, Ill., assign'or to Charles E.

" Zimmerman, Chicago, lll.

Application September 22, 1941, Serial No. 411,834

The present invention relates generally to that it may be produced at an extremely low cost.

9 Claims.

spreaders for lipstick and other cosmetics.

One object of the invention is to provide a lipstick spreader which is an improvement upon, and has certain advantages over, previously designed spreaders including that which is disclosed in and forms the subject matter of United States Patent No. 2,219,754, granted to me on October 29, 1940.

Another object of the invention is to provide a' lipstick spreader which comprises a tubular body with a slotted cross-wall at one end thereof, a lipstick spreading wad of porous rubber latex or like compressible material fitting against the outer face of the cross-wall, and an elongated plate type wad retaining element which extends through, and is longitudinally slidable in, the slot in the cross-wall. has a wad encircling loop at its outer end. and is adapted in response toinward sliding movement to hold the wad in its operative position by causing a portion thereof to be compressed and clamped between the loop and the cross-wall and in response to outward sliding movement to release the wad for cleaning or replacement purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lipstick spreader of the last mentioned character which also comprises an auxiliary tubular body which is aligned with and is rotatable relatively to the main tubular body and has its outer end open and its inner end provided with a fixed crosswall in abutment with the inner or open end of the main tubular body. and'in addition comprises a spring in the main tubular body for urging the wad retaining element inwards and an elongated screw type member which extends through an aperture in the central portion of the fixed crosswall at the inner end of the auxiliary tubular body and is so arranged that in response to relative rotation of the two bodies it moves axially. and is further arranged so that in response to relative rotation of the two bodies in one direction it slides the wad retaining element outwards against the force of the spring and thus effects release of the lipstick spreading wad.

A further object of the inventionis to provide a lipstick spreader of the type and character under consideration in which the elongated screw v type member embodies at the'end thereof within the auxiliary tubular body, a cup-shaped retainer for a lipstick piece and is adapted in response to axial displacement or shift thereof due to relative rotation of the two bodies to move the lipstick piece outwards into an exposed or operative position, or inwards into an inoperative position within the auxiliary body.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a lipstick spreader which eiectively and eiliciently fulfills its intended purpose and is characterized by the fact that it is compact and in addition embodies such a small number of parts Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present lipstick spreader will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are moreparticularly deflnedby claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a perspective view of a lipstick spreader embodying one form of the invention:

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section showing the wad retaining element in its operative or wad retaining position and the lipstick piece in its retracted position wherein itis disposed for the most part within the auxiliary tubular body;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section showing the spreader of Figures 1 and 2 after the two bodies have been so relatively rotated as to cause the lipstick piece to be shifted outwards by the screw type member;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section showing the spreader after the bodies have been reversely rotated one relatively to the other in order to cause the screw type member to slide the wad retaining element into its inoperative position; l

Figure 5 is a transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3 and showing in elevation the slotted cross-wall at the outer end of the main tubular body;

Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line 6-6 of Figure 3:

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the Wad retaining element;

Figure 8 is a, perspective view of the auxiliary tubular body;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lipstick spreading wad; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lipstick spreader embodying another or modified form of the invention; y

Figure 11 is a longitudinal section of the spreader of Figure l0, showing the wad retaining element in its wad retaining position and the lipstick plece in its retracted position with the auxiliary tubular body;

Figure 12 is another longitudinal sectional view of the spreader in Figure 10, showing the auxiliary tubular body without its cap and the lipstick piece in its operative or projected position;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of the modified form of lipstick spreader, showing the main tubular body without its cap and the wad retaining element in its inoperative or wad releasing position; f

Figures 14 and 15 are transverse sections taken respectively on the lines I4-I4 and I5-I5 of Figure 12: and

Figure 16 is a perspective View of the wad retaining element of the modified form of spreader.

The spreader which is shown in Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, of the drawings constitutes one form or embodiment of the invention. It ls primarily designed to spread lipstick and other cosmetics and comprises a main tubular body I0, an auxillary tubular body II, a lipstick spreading wad I2, and a wad retaining element lI 3.

The main tubular body I Il comprises a cylindrical side wall Il and a circular or disk-like cross-wall I5. The cross-wall is at the outer end of the body III and is marginally united to the outer margin of the side wall I4. It has a dlametric slot I8 and is preferably formed as an integral part of the side wall. The inner end of the main body III is open.

The auxiliary tubular body II is disposed in axial alignment with the main body I and comprises a cylindrical side wall I1. It is preferably formed of the same material as the main body and is connected to the latter for rotation relatively thereto as hereinafter described. The side wall I1 of the auxiliary body II is of slightly less external diameter than the main body I0 and embodies at its inner end an outwardly extending annular flange I8. A cross-wall I9 in the form of a metallic disk fits against the flanged inner end of the side wall I1 of the body II and forms a fixed part of said body. 'Ihe marginal portion of the cross-wall I9 abuts against the flange I8 and has a pair of diametrically opposite downstruck lugs 20. These lugs fit within notches 2| in the inner end of the cylindrical side wall I1 and serve to hold the cross-wall I 8 and the cylindrical side wall I1 in nxed relation. The margin of the cross-wall I9 abuts against and is rotatable relatively to the inner end of the side wall I l of the main tubular body III and the central portion of said cross-wall embodies a slot 22 (see Figure 8). A sleeve 23 serves to hold the two tubular bodies against axial displacement while at the same time permitting them to rotate one relatively to the other. The sleeve 23 surrounds the inner end of the cylindrical side wall I4 of the body I0 and is flxedly secured to said inner end by way of a press fit. The inner end of the sleeve 23 projects beyond the open inner end of the body I 0, surrounds the cross-wall I8 and the ange I 8, and hassan inturned flange 24 in lapped relation with said flange I8. A metallic ring 25 is interposed between the flanges I8 and 24 and serves as an anti-friction bearing for preventing the two bodies from sticking together especially when they are formed of plastic material. A metallic ring 2B for purposes of ornamentation is seated within an annular groove 21 in the inner end of the sleeve 23. In order to make the spreader as a whole symmetrical in appearance, a sleeve 28 is arranged in surrounding relation with the inner end of the cylindrical side wall I 1 of the auxiliary body I I. This sleeve is connected in place by a press fit and abuts against the flange 2l and the ornamenta1 ring 26. In assembling the spreader the cross-wall I9 is rst placed against the flange I8 at the inner end of the cylindrical side wall I1 of the auxiliary body II so as to bring the lugs thereof into interlocked relation with the notches 2 I. Thereafter the two bodies I8`and II are brought into axial alignment and are shifted together in order to bring the inner end of the side wall I3 of the main body I0 into abutment with themargin of the cross-wall I 8. After properly arranging or positioning the two bodies the sleeve 23 is mounted on the side wall Il of the body Il and is urged inwards until the outer end thereof surrounds and is connected by a press fit to the inner end of the side wall I4 and the flange at the inner end thereof is in abutment with the metallic ring 2l. At the conclusion of this operation the ring 23 is driven or pressed into place. When the two sleeves are in place they may be used by the user of the spreader as gripping means in connection with imparting relative rotation to the two bodies I0 and I I.

The lipstick spreading wad I2 is normally of cylindrical contour, as shown in Figure 9. It is adapted to nt against the outer face of the crosswall I5 of the main body I0 and is formed of compressible material such for example as porous rubber latex. Preferably the wad is arranged in coaxial relation with the spreader body I0.

The element I3 serves as a medium for releasably securing the wad I2 in place. It is preferably in the form of an elongated metallic plate and extends through and is longitudinally slidable in the dlametric slot I6 in the central portion of the cross-wall I5 at the outer end of the body I0. As best shown in Figure 7 of the drawings the element I3 comprises a loop 23, a pair of laterally spaced legs 30, and an intermediate cross-piece 3l. The loop 28 is at the outer end of the element I3 and is shaped so as to surround the central portion of the wad I2. It is Ushaped and has the ends thereof in connected relation with the ends of the cross-piece 3i. The legs 30 are at the inner end of the element I3 and like the ends of the loop 28 are connected or joined to the ends of the cross-piece 3l. They are arranged ln parallel relation and have outturned feet 32 at their inner extremities. When the loop 29 of the element I3 is in looped relation with the central portion of the wad I2 and the element is slid or shifted inwards relatively to the main tubular body III the wad is held in operative or lipstick spreading position and is firmly attached to the body III due to the fact that the central portion thereof is compressed or clamped between the outer end of the loop 28 and the slot defining portion of the cross-wall I5 at the outer end of the body I 0. When the wad is in its operative position the side portions thereof. that is, the portions outwards of the compressed central portion, are caused to assume a hemispherlcal shape (see Figures 2 and 3). Release of the wad for cleaning or replacement purposes is eiected by shifting the element I3 outwards. Outward shift of the element results in the loop 29 moving away from the cross-wall I5 and releasing the wad so that it may be shifted laterally out of engagement with the loop. A compression spring 33 serves to urge the element I3 inwards so that it holds the lipstick spreading wad I2 in its operative position. This spring is housed in the body I0 and surrounds the legs 30 of the element I3, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4. One end of the spring 33 abuts against the cross wall Il at the outer end of the body III and the other or inner end of the spring is seated against a ring 34 which surrounds the outer extremities or ends of the legs 30 and abuts against the outwardly extending feet 32.

In addition to the parts heretofore described. the spreader comprises an elongated screw type member 35, a cup shaped holder 38, and a lipstick piece 31. The screw type member 33 is in the form of a twisted metallic strip. It extends The cap 4I is removed by sliding it away from l through and fits snugly within the slot 22 in the cross wail Il, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. A disk-like head 33 is fixed to the extremity of the end portion of the member 35 that is within the main tubular body I0. This head embodies a pair of diametrically opposite notches 33 in which the inner portions of the legs 3l of the wad retaining element I3 fit slidably. Because of the fact that the head 33 embodies the notches 33 the screw type member 35 is connected to rotate with the main body Ill while .at the same time it is freeto slide axially relatively to said body I0. By reason of the fact that the member 35 ts snugly within the slot 22 in the cross wail I3 the screw type member 35 is caused to move axially or longitudinally in connection with relative rotation of the two bodies I and Il. When the two bodies are turned or rotated in one direction one relatively to the other the screw type member 35 is shifted axially in one direction. When the elements are relatively rotated in the opposite direction the member 35 is displaced or shifted axially in the opposite direction. The cup shaped holder 36 is located in the auxiliary body II and is fixed to the extremity of the end portion of the screw type member 35, that is in said body I I. It is slidable relatively to the cylindrical side wall I1 of the body I I and constitutes a support for the lipstick piece 31. When the two bodies I0 and II of the spreader are so relatively rotated that the screw type member 35 is doiw-nwan'dly displaced )as viewed in the drawings, the head 38 moves away from the cross-piece 3l of the wad retaining ele-' ment I3 and the holder 33 moves away from the cross-wall I3. Downward movement on the part of the holder 35 results in the lipstick piece 31 moving or sliding into -an operative position wherein a. portion thereof is exteriorly disposed with respect to the side wall I1 of the body II and is positioned for use. When the two tubular bodies I0 andl II are reversely rotated one relatively to the other so as to effect upward displacement of the screw type member 35 the holder 33 and lipstick piece 31 are shifted upwards within the body I I and the head 33 is brought into contacting relation with the cross-piece 3l of the element I3. The head 38 is so arranged that it engages the cross-piece 3| before the holder 33 reaches or approaches the cross-wall I3. Because of this arrangement it is possible by further upward shift of the member 35 in connection with continued reverse relative rotation of the bodies I0 and I I to shift the element I3 upwards against the force of the spring into its inoperative position or wad releasing position (see Figure 4).

For the purpose of covering the outer ends of the two bodies I0 and l I when the spreader is not in use two caps 40 and 4I are provided. The cap 40 serves as a temporary or removable enclosure for the lipstick spreading wad I2 and comprises a cylindrical side wall and an outer end wall. The side wall of the cap 40 fits around the outer end of the side wall I4 of the body I0 when the cap 40 is in its operative position. Such cap is removed merely by sliding it out of engagement with the body I0. The other cap, that is the cap 4l, serves as a removable closure for the open end of the auxiliary body Il. It is the same in design and construction as the cap 40 and comprises a cylindrical side wall and an outer end wall.v When the cap 4| is in its operative position the side wall thereof fits around the outer end of the cylindrical side wall I1 of the auxiliary body Il, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

or out of engagement with the body I I.

When the spreader is not in use,- the parts thereof are arranged as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. 'I'he particular arrangement contemy/ plates the caps 40 and 4| being in their opera"- tive positions and the wad retaining element and the lipstick holder 33 being in their retracted positions. When the user desires to apply a lipstick the cap 4I is ilrst removed. Thereafter the two tubular bodies I0 and II are turned, one relatively to the other so as to cause the lipstick holder 35 to move away from the crosswall I9 and thus move the lipstick piece 31 into its exposed or operative position. After use of the lipstick piece 31 the two bodies are reversely turned one relatively to the other until the screw type member 35 has been shifted upwards a suillcient distance to bring the lipstick piece 31 within the confines of the cylindrical side wall I1 of the body II.

If the user desires to spread the lipstick the cap is removed and the wad I2 by proper manipulation of the spreader as a whole is moved over the lips in order to distribute the applied lipstick in the proper or desired manner. After use of the wad I2 the cap 40 is returned to its operative position. In the event that it is desired to replace the wad I2 due to undue soiling thereof the cap 40 is re` moved and the two tubular bodies I 0 and II are so turned one relatively to the other as to shift the screw type member 35 upwards to the fullest possible extent. This operation results in outward shift ofthe wad retaining element I3 and release of the wad. When the loop 29 of the element I3 is in an extended position, as shown inv Figure 4, due to raising of the element I3, the

' wad I2 may be removed from under it. After removal of the wad I2 a new wad is shifted under the loop 29. Thereafter the two bodies I I) and I I are so rotated as to effect a preliminary downward shift of the screw type member 35 and resultant inward movement of the head 38. During inward movement of the head the element I3 is shifted inwards into its wad holding position due to the action of the compression spring 33 within the cylindrical side wall I4 of the main tubular body I0.

The aforementioned lipstick spreader may be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost due tothe simplicity of the design thereof and the fact that it consists of but a comparatively small number of parts. It is compact and effectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpose. Due to the fact that the spreader has the lipstick piece 31 associated with it, the article as a whole may be used to apply lipstick as well as to spread the applied lipstick.

The spreader which is shown in Figures 10 to 16, inclusive of the drawings, constitutes a modified or second embodiment of the invention and serves the same purpose as the spreader of Figures 1 to 9, inclusive and in general is the same as the last mentioned spreader except for the arrangement and design of the wad retaining element. In general the modified form of spreader comprises a main tubular body I0, an auxiliary tubular body Il, a lipstick spreading wad I2 and a wad retaining element I3.

The main tubular body I0 is substantially like the body III of the first described lipstick spreader and comprises a cylindrical side wall I4* and a circular cross wall I5 at the outer end` .of the side wall. The latter is formed integrally After this operation the cap 4I is slid back into place.

with the outer end of the side wall Il'l and embodies a diametric slot IG.

The auxiliary tubular body II' is exactly the same in design and construction as the auxiliary tubular body II and has a lug equipped cross wall I9a at its inner end. This cross wall is in interlocked relation with the inner end of the auxiliary body IlEL and has a slot 22* in its central portion. A sleeve 23a serves to hold the two tubular bodies l and II* in connected relation while at the same time it permits them to rotate one relatively to the other.

The lipstick spreading wad I2 fits against the outer face of the cross wall I5* of the main tubular body Illil and is releasably held in place by means of the element I3u as described hereafter.

The element I3 is in the form of a metal stamping and extends through, and is slidably mounted in, the slot I6*l in the cross wall I5. It serves the same purpose as the wad retaining element I3 of the lipstick spreader of Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, and comprises a loop 29* and a pair of laterally spaced legs 30". The loop 23' is at the outer end of the element I3* and is adapted to surround the central portion of the wad |25. The legs 30 are at the inner end of the element and are in the nature of continuations of the side pieces or parts of the loop 29e. They are arranged in parallel relation and have longitudinally elongated outwardly extending feet 32. The latter, as shown in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 15, t slidably in a pair of diametrically opposite longitudinally extendinginwardly facing grooves 42 in the side wall Il* of the main tubular body IO. In addition to the loop 29* and the legs 30 the wad retaining element I3l comprises an arcuate cross piece 3I. This piece is formed integrally with, and extends between, the inner or lower ends of the legs 30* and serves to urge the legs outwards in such manner that the feet 32 grip frictionally the groove defining portions of the side Wall I4, When the loop 29a is in looped relation with the central portion of the wad I2a and the element is slid 0r shifted inwards relatively to the main tubular body III the wad is held in its operative or lipstick spreading position and is firmly attached to the body I0 due to the fact that the central portion thereof is compressed or clamped between the Outer end of the loop 29a and the slot dening portion of the cross wall I 5a. The frictional grip between the feet 32a and the groove defining portions of the side wall Ila serves to hold the element in its operative or wad retaining position. When it is desired to release the wad it is only necessary to grip the loop 29',L and shift the element outwards into its inoperative or wad releasing position. `The cross piece 3|* urges the legs 30a apart with a spring action and hence the desired frictional grip between the feet of the element and the aforementioned groove defining portions of the side wall I is always maintained. The side wall Ila is provided with shoulders 43 at the 'outer ends of the grooves 42 and the feet 32EL embody shoulders 44 at their upper ends. The shoulders 43 and I4 coact to limit or restrict outward sliding movement of the element I3a with respect to the main tubular body I. The element I3a differs from the wad retaining element I 3 of the lipstick spreader of Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, in that it is retained in place by friction and there is no spring for urg-` ing it inwards. It further difiers from the element I3 in that it has no intermediate cross piece 3| and relies upon manual manipulation for shift thereof into its inoperative or wad releasing position.

In addition to the hereinbefore described parts the spreader of Figures to 16, inclusive, comprises a screw type member 35'-, a cup shaped holder 36 and a lipstick piece 31". 'I'he screw type member 35 extends through the slot 22* in the cross wall I9L and functions the same as the screw type member 35. A disc-like h'ead 33'l is fixedly connected to the end of the member 35* that is within the main tubular body IIIl and this head is provided with a pair of diametrically opposite notches in which the inner portions of the legs Elli'I fit slidably. The cup-shaped holder 36* is fixedly secured to the other end of the screw type member 35 and serves as a retainer for the lipstick piece 3'|'-. The head 38* and the screw type member 35 function in the same manner as the head 38 and the member 35 of the first described lipstick spreader. When the two bodies Il!a and Ila are rotated in one direction one relatively to the other the lipstick piece 3'!l is caused to project from the body IIfas shown in Figure 12, and when the two bodies are reversely rotated one relatively to the other the lipstick piece and the holder therefor are retracted, as illustrated in Figure 11. The main tubular body I0 is provided with a removable cap 40* for covering the wad I2n when the latter is not in use and the auxiliary tubular body I I is provided with a removable cup-shaped cap 4I* for covering the lipstick piece 31*t when the latter is in its retracted position.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention..

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a tubular body having at one end thereof a fixed cross wall with a slot therein, a compressible lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said cross wall, and an elongated wad retaining element formed of a ilat sheet metal stamping extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and at its inner end with a pair` of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced legs with outwardly extending feet, and adapted when slid ln one direction to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between the loop and said cross wall and when slid in the opposite direction to release the wad for removal from the cross wall.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a hollow body having at one end thereof a fixed cross wall with a slot therein, a compressible lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said cross wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop, and adapted when slid in one direction to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between the loop and said cross weiland when slid in the opposite direction to release the wad for removal from the wall, and a helical springdisposed within the body and applied to the inner end of the element for urging the element in said one direction.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a hollow body having a wall with a slot therein, a compresslble lipstickl spreading wad against the outer face of said wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slldably mounted in, the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and adapted when slid in one direction to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between the loop and said wall and when slid in the opposite direction to release the wad for removal from the wall, a. spring disposed within the body and applied to the inner end of the element for urging the element in said one direction, and means associated with the body for positively sliding the element in said other direction against the force of the spring.

4. As a new article of manufacture. a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a tubular body having a xed slotted cross wall at one end thereof and a rotatable cross wall at its other end, a compressible lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said fixed slotted cross wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through. and slidably mounted in. the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and adapted when slid inwards to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between the loop and the slotted cross wall and when slid outwards to release the wad for removal from `said slotted cross wall, and means operative in response to rotation of the rotatable cross wall in one direction relatively to the body positively to slide the element outwards.

5. As a new article of manufacture. a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a. tubular body having a fixed slotted cross wall at one end thereof and arotatable cross wall at its other end, a compressible lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said fixed slotted cross wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and adapted when slid inwards to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between the loop and the slotted cross wall and when slid outwards to release the spring disposed in the body and applied to one end of the element so that it urges said element inwards, and means operative in response to rotation of the rotatable cross wall in one direction relatively to the body positively to slide the element outwards.

6. As a new article of manufacture, a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material and comprising a tubular body having a nxed .slotted cross wall at one end thereof and a rotatable cross wall at its other end, a compressible lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said fixed slotted cross wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot. provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and adapted when slid inwards to cause a portion of the wad to be compressed between .the loop and the slotted cross wall and when slid outwards to release the wad for removal from said slotted cross wall, a compression spring in the body extending between the slotted cross wall and the inner end of the element and arranged to urge the elements wad for removal from said slotted cross wall, a

inwards into its wad compressing position, and means including a screw type member controlled by the rotatable cross wall and adapted in response to rotation of said last mentioned cross wall relatively to the body positively to slide the element outwards against the force of the spring.

7. As a new article of manufacture, a spreader adapted for use in spreading lipstick or like material, and comprising a hollow body in the form of a tubular side wall and a cross wall at one end of the side wall and with a slot therein, a compresslble lipstick spreading wad against the outer face of said cross wall, an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot, provided at its outer end with a wad encircling loop and its inner end with a pair of oppositely disposed legs adjacent the inner face of the side wall, and adapted to be slid back and forth between an operative position wherein the loop clamps a portion of the wad against the cross wall and an inoperative position wherein the loop releases the wad for removal from said cross wall, and spring means between the -legs for urging the latter outwards into frictional engagement with the side wall of the body and causing them to retain the element in its operative and inoperative positions.

8. A spreader oi the character described comprising a hollow body having a tubular side wall with opposed longitudinal grooves therein and in addition a cross wall at one en d of the side wall and with a slot therein, a wad for spreading purposes fitting against the outer face of the cross wall, and an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in, the slot, provided at the outer end with a wad encircling loop and at its inner end a pair of opposed legs ntting slidably within the grooves respectively. adapted when slid inwardsv to as-` sume an operative position wherein the loop compresses a portion of the wad against the cross wall and when slid outwards to assume an inoperative position wherein the wad is released for removal from the cross wall, and spring means extending between the inner ends of the legs and serving to urge said legs outwards into operative engagement with the groove defining portions of the side wall so that they in turn serve to retain the element in its operative and inoperative positions.

9. A spreader of the character described comprising a hollow body having a tubular side wall with opposed longitudinal grooves therein and in addition a cross wall at one end of the side wall and with a slot therein. a 'wad for spreading purposes iitting .against the outer face of the cross wall, and an elongated wad retaining element extending through, and slidably mounted in. the slot, provided at the outer end with a wad encircling loop and at its inner end a'pair ofsume an operative position wherein the loop comofthe element.

JOHN F. BKOLD. 

